On Saturday, tens of thousands of people gathered in over 60 cities across Germany to protest against the far-right populist party, Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Protesters called on democratic parties to refuse cooperation with AfD following elections and carried slogans reinforcing their demand.
In Berlin, police reported that at least 35,000 demonstrators convened at the Brandenburg Gate, holding candles to deliver their message against the country veering toward the far-right. Protesters chanted, “Otherwise, there will be an uprising of the dignified.”
Christoph Bautz, head of Campact, a co-organizer of the protests, emphasized that democratic parties must resist collaborating with AfD. Addressing Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Bautz warned, “If he seeks a majority with AfD on immigration issues, there will be a revolt of the dignified in this country.”
Anna-Nicole Heinrich, chair of the Evangelical Church Synod in Germany, participated in the demonstration, stating, “God has given all people the same dignity. We will not stay silent when people are excluded, attacked, or threatened, and we stand against anyone who assaults democracy.” Heinrich also urged politicians to avoid distorting facts during the electoral campaign.
In Cologne, more than 40,000 demonstrators gathered, joined by Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD). Meanwhile, in Aschaffenburg, 3,000 people held a rally, where emotions ran high after a tragic incident on Thursday involving the death of a 2-year-old boy and a 41-year-old who intervened in the attack.
In Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, where AfD held its main campaign rally with speeches by Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, approximately 10,000 protesters voiced their opposition. Police ensured security with substantial reinforcements from neighboring states.
Similar protests were held in Münster, Karlsruhe, Regenstauf, and other cities. A major rally is planned for Hamburg on Sunday.
Last year, mass demonstrations against the far-right also took place following revelations of a secret meeting between AfD officials and neo-Nazis in Potsdam, Brandenburg, where they allegedly discussed plans for the forced deportation of around 2 million migrants.
